The Baalands: South Africa Bound

The American Consortium for Small Ruminant Control had many international members, especially from South Africa, since it was researchers in South Africa who developed the FAMACHA system and Five Point Check that we teach to small ruminant producers here. In 2015, our South African colleagues hosted an international parasite conference: W4: what works with worms.

Our group

Speakers were mostly from South Africa and America. I gave two presentations. The conference headquarters was the Farm Inn, not far from Pretoria. I traveled to South Africa a few days ahead of everyone else. I connected with a professor at the vet school and accompanied him and his vet students to several small ruminant farms. After the conference was over, our South African colleagues took us on a tour of farms, historical sites, and Kruger National Park.

One of the places we stayed: Klopperheim

Tom T., coordinator of the consortium

Nelson E., fellow Marylander

Bob S. (R) with a cheetah

Upon arrival in South Africa, my passport and wallet were stolen. It happened at the airport and was probably an inside job. It made my trip a bit more challenging, but the South Africans were extremely kind to me, as were my American colleagues. Upon arrival to the conference center, one of our South African colleagues gave me a "bag" of money with a kind note. Several colleagues helped out with money. The Farm Inn was very understanding. Eventually I was able to use my brother's credit card account to pay for things. A driver with the transport company was especially helpful to me. I had to return to the airport several times. I needed a temporary passport to return home.